Favre plans to return to Packers: report

File photo shows Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre at a news conference in Green Bay, Wisconsin March 6, 2008.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Brett Favre has told Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson he plans to return to the team and report to training camp this weekend, the NFL Network reported on Friday.

The 38-year-old would need to submit a letter seeking reinstatement to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell if he is to end his temporary retirement.

The on-off retirement of Favre, the league's all-time leader in touchdown passes (442), passing yards (61,655) and completions (5,377), has dominated the NFL in recent weeks with teams starting training ahead of the new season.

Favre announced his retirement in March at a tearful news conference after leading the Packers to a 13-3 record and the NFC title game.

But the quarterback, still contracted to Green Bay, has since made it clear he wants to return to football.

The Packers however have committed to handing the reins of the offense over to Aaron Rodgers, Favre's understudy for the past three seasons.

Green Bay does not want to grant Favre an unconditional release, fearful he could join a rival team such as NFC North counterpart Minnesota Vikings whose offensive coordinator was his quarterback coach for three seasons with the Packers.

"The finality of his decision to retire was accepted by the organization. At that point the Green Bay Packers made the commitment to move forward with our football team," the Packers said in a statement earlier this month.

"As a retired player Brett has the option to apply for reinstatement with commissioner Roger Goodell.

"If that were to occur he would become an active member of the Green Bay Packers. As always the Packers will do what's right and in the best interest of the team."

For now, Green Bay's plan to retire Favre's jersey at this season's opening game is on hold.

(Writing by Larry Fine, editing by Tony Jimenez)